When a student fell and hurt her knee, Morgan Murphy reacted by being calm and reassuring. She stayed by the girl's side, offering assistance. It's just one of many examples of how Morgan shows consideration to teachers and peers.

"I always try to show and treat people and things with respect," Morgan says. "Respect starts in your heart, then in your head."

Austin Sudnykovych, science teacher: Morgan demonstrates respect in many ways. Once while walking to lunch, a student tripped and fell, hurting her knee. Morgan immediately knelt down by her fellow student's side to calm her down and assist her. Morgan's selfless act brought reassurance and comfort to the student in need.

Morgan also demonstrates respect in the classroom. Each day, Morgan greets me with a warm smile and a good morning or hello. She gets started on her work immediately without me having to remind her, sometimes even before the bell rings. Morgan always pays attention to my instruction by facing forward and listening. She is also considerate of the needs of others. When a classmate is in need of assistance, Morgan is always willing to help.

This kind of behavior, along with her commitment to academic excellence, is what sets her apart from others and makes her so great. Her respect for herself and others has a tremendous impact in the classroom. She sets the bar in how to properly behave. This allows others to identify positive classroom behavior necessary for academic achievement and excellence.

David and Joan Murphy, parents: Morgan has a tendency to demonstrate respect since we have taught her the importance of this value from a very early age. She benefits from the lessons we were instilled with by our parents, and now pass on those same beliefs and values to her. Parenting is hard work. However, the satisfaction of seeing Morgan exemplify the lessons taught have been the most rewarding and the proper path for her to follow. We have witnessed Morgan demonstrate respect in many settings. Morgan conducts herself in the same respectful manner whether it is with her own family, her friends, teachers, opposing players or a waiter in a restaurant. Her attitude with regard to respect never changes.

As Morgan's parents, we are not surprised that she acts in a respectful manner outside of our home. Acting respectful, kind and courteous is never a performance for Morgan. It's a natural action and reaction to everyday situations. Morgan's grasp of these values have enticed her to also aspire to be a role model with not only her peers, but her community as well.

Morgan Murphy: Respect seems to come very naturally to me, having been raised by my family to have respect for myself and for others. My parents have taught me to have proper etiquette in society, to be courteous, considerate and kind. My family has also taught me to always follow the Golden Rule, to treat others as you would want them to treat you. Teachers, adults and my peers deserve to be treated with respect and it makes me feel happy to do so.

I'm motivated to always show respect to others and myself because it is effective and hopefully contagious. From an early age, I was taught to be respectful and what that involved. Whether on the playground with friends or a classroom with teachers, respect should always be shown. If you are in a good mood or bad mood, or if you are happy or sad, it really doesn't matter. It's the proper thing to show respect and you should not change your values. Being polite, positive, not judging other people are also forms of respect. When playing sports, respect also needs to be expressed, either for a loss or a win.

When I show respect I feel good inside because I know I've done the right thing. I also feel that I have followed God's teachings in life. Hopefully, the people that I've shown respect to also have a good feeling inside, and in turn they will do the same for others.

I believe other students and teachers feel my actions of showing respect is an example of how a good role model should act.